ROME: 26th July 2006 -- The first group of Korean
Salesians, led by their Vice Provincial Fr Henry Bonetti, have arrived
in Rome to get in touch with their Christian and Salesian roots.
The group comprises two Brothers and five Priests, and their visit is
part of a decision made at the 2004 Provincial Chapter to facilitate
contact with the Salesian holy places after 15 years of profession. A
highlight of the Rome visit was supper and a Good Night from the Rector
Major.
The stay in Italy began on 23rd, the day they met Fr
Chávez in Rome (Pisana). The tour will conclude on 6th August
after visiting Piedmont where they will spend most of their time.
They are also being accompanied by Fr Paolo Na, a recent Korean
graduate from the Salesian Studies and spirituality course at the
Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome.
For two of the confreres, it is their first trip to
Europe. Three of them had studied at the UPS in the past.
Another two have passed through briefly on their way to the World Youth
Day. At the Generalte they stopped for supper, the by now
obligatory photo with the Rector Major and 'Don Bosco', the relatively
new life-sized bronze statue of the Founder in the entrance hall.
Fr Chávez welcomed the group
to Italy and expressed his joy that groups such as this come to be in
touch with their Salesian roots. He remarked that it was
precisely Italian, Spanish, French, Belgian (to name some) who loved
Don Bosco so much, who planted the charism in places such as Korea
years ago. Despite the fact that the Congregation has now spread
to 130 nations, the sense of charismatic unity and fellowship is very
strong, thanks to the Don Bosco-centred life of many confreres.
He went on to say that we recognise in Don Bosco one
of the most complete of the saints, one of the most zealous. He
remarked that he has just finished reading the life of St. Ignatius
Loyola, an amazing story. He notes that Ignatius began the
Jesuits with well-prepared graduates from the Sorbonne. Don Bosco
on the other hand began with a bunch of teenagers. he believed in
them, formed them, to the point where one became his successor, another
a cardinal, and another (who could well have been a Salesian had he
lived) the youngest non-martyr saint in the Church. At the basis
of his multiple activity for God and Church was his zeal.
It became the Rector Major's wish, then, for this
group of Korean Salesians, that they discover Don Bosco's deepest
convictions as part of this pilgrimage, especially the conviction of
giving his life for the young, believing in them, believing in the
impact of good education (values, and the emotional, intellectual,
relational dimensions). He asked them to believe in the need to
call many more people to this youth-centred movement.
In Piedmont, the very stones and walls whisper to
you of Don Bosco....
___________________
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